King Charles appears to have a special fondness for his beloved niece, Zara Tindall, often overlooking her penchant for breaking protocol.
Known for their relaxed approach to royal formalities, their close bond was evident during a heartfelt reunion at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, capturing their deep affection. According to In Touch Weekly, King Charles has been actively planning to strengthen his diminishing ranks by bestowing upon Zara the title of Princess.
Observers speculate that a recent meeting may have been pivotal, with Charles conveying his intentions to her. An eyewitness noted, "He was thrilled to see her, and something he said definitely made her pause for a moment. It would be amazing if he were to make her a princess. She's like a surrogate daughter to him, and he clearly worships her."
King Charles' aspirations for a streamlined monarchy have encountered obstacles, particularly with the Princess of Wales's recovery period and his own health limitations. Introducing someone of Zara's caliber is seen as a potential game-changer. "She's an absolute powerhouse for the Royals, even in an unofficial capacity," says an insider. "Everyone loves her. She's an incredible mom, has an amazing husband, and has won a silver medal at the Olympics. But more than that, Charles adores her and wants her on his team."
However, Charles may face challenges in this endeavor. Zara mentioned on the Total Sport podcast last December that she had no regrets about her current status. "I was obviously very lucky that my mother didn't give us any titles, so I really commend her for that," she said. "We got to do it our way and had a normal upbringing." Despite this, Charles remains determined.
An insider explained, "He believes it's wrong that Zara and her brother Peter aren't titled as Princess and Prince. If Princess Anne had been a boy, they would have automatically received those titles. It doesn't matter that Anne declined the Queen's offer to rectify this when they were younger. If the laws of succession now include females, Zara should automatically be a princess. She can decline the title, but Charles hopes she won't. He adores her and sees her as the daughter he never had, respecting and admiring her as much as his sister."
Former BBC royal correspondent Jenny Bond believes Zara is at the forefront of this change, demonstrated by her public behavior. Referring to Zara's warm embrace with King Charles at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on May 3, she explained, "We're seeing a lot more public displays of affection from the royals these days, and it's a good thing. It makes them much more relatable and genuine. The days of the stiff upper lip and polite handshake are passing."
Heartwarming images captured Zara embracing the reigning monarch with a kiss shortly after his surprise appearance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. The King was in high spirits at the event, held on the grounds of Windsor Castle, and was undeterred by the wet and gray weather as he spoke to officials under umbrellas. Jenny Bond commented on the encounter, noting the warmth of their embrace. "Now that's a proper hug and a proper relationship—loving, warm, and unselfconscious," she said.
